clear failing

USAGE SUMMARY

"clear failing" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to describe a situation or performance that is evidently inadequate or unsuccessful. Example: "The project's outcome was a clear failing, highlighting the need for better planning." Alternative expressions include "obvious failure" and "evident shortcoming."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

He added, it's "a clear failing of the law".

The New Yorker

Meanwhile, French Prime Minister Manuel Valls said there had been a "clear failing" in French intelligence.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

In its report, the Commission found there to be clear failings on the part of the local authorities, which failed to classify the hazardous wastewater and made major errors in connection with construction work on the reservoir.

EU Parlament

Conventional health care has some clear failings.

The Economist

Given the city's clear progress, and Albany's clear failings, that makes sense to us.

The New York Times

That said, the report exposed clear failings in some of our systems, the way we work together and make decisions.

The Guardian

"The horsemeat scandal and the recent Guardian investigation into the poultry industry exposed clear failings in the food supply chain and a lack of consumer protection.

The Guardian

"The monetary penalty is for a significant amount because of the clear failings of the company, and the number of people affected by its deliberate and unlawful campaign.

The Guardian

"The monetary penalty is for a significant amount because of the clear failings of the company, and the number of people affected by its deliberate and unlawful campaign," Eckersley said.

Independent

She added: "While the decision is undoubtedly welcome and emphasises the clear failings seen with this scheme, attention must now turn to rethinking the planned wider rollout in October until reassurances can be provided that the delays seen in the past are not repeated in the future".

The Guardian

Confidence has been further undermined, however, by the clear failings of the country's anti-doping regime.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "clear failing" to directly and unambiguously point out a deficiency or inadequacy, especially in situations where accountability is important.

Common error

Avoid using "clear failing" in casual conversation; it's better suited for formal reports, analyses, or when directly addressing a problem.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "clear failing" functions as a noun phrase where "clear" modifies the noun "failing". It identifies a distinct inadequacy. According to Ludwig, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "clear failing" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase, albeit relatively rare in occurrence. According to Ludwig, it's most appropriately used to directly and unambiguously point out a significant deficiency, particularly in formal or professional contexts. The phrase functions as a noun phrase and serves to express a critical evaluation. While authoritative sources like The New Yorker and BBC use it, remember to consider alternatives like "obvious deficiency" or "evident shortcoming" to suit the specific nuance you intend to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

obvious deficiency

Emphasizes the lack of something essential or expected.

evident shortcoming

Highlights a specific weakness or imperfection that is easily noticeable.

manifest inadequacy

Stresses the insufficient nature of something, making it unmistakably apparent.

patent flaw

Points out a defect that is readily observable and significant.

glaring weakness

Focuses on a particular area of vulnerability that is hard to ignore.

unmistakable fault

Indicates an error or failing that cannot be denied or overlooked.

palpable imperfection

Suggests that the failing is so obvious it is almost tangible.

noticeable defect

Draws attention to a specific problem or imperfection.

plain deficiency

Highlights a lack of something essential in a straightforward manner.

visible weakness

Implies that the failing is easily seen or detected.

FAQs

How can I use "clear failing" in a sentence?

Use "clear failing" to describe situations where a specific deficiency is easily noticeable and significant. For example: "The project's outcome was a "clear failing", highlighting the need for better planning."

What are some alternatives to "clear failing"?

You can use alternatives such as "obvious deficiency", "evident shortcoming", or "manifest inadequacy" depending on the context.

Is "clear failing" formal or informal?

"Clear failing" is generally considered a formal expression, best suited for professional or academic contexts. Using it in informal settings may sound overly critical or stiff.

What makes "clear failing" different from "obvious failure"?

"Clear failing" suggests a specific deficiency that is easily identifiable, while "obvious failure" implies a more general lack of success. The choice depends on whether you want to highlight a specific flaw or a broader outcome.